Christmas in Malta and our shared humanity

At this time of year, Malta awakens to a season of beauty and warmth. Old and new streets shimmer under millions of twinkling lights, while intricate nativity scenes and Christmas trees grace homes and public squares, each a tender reminder of hope and new beginnings.

Families and friends come together, filling hearts with joy and reflection. The air is scented with homemade seasonal treats as processions wind through towns and villages, carrying the story of love and peace that Christmas embodies: a reminder of hope, renewal and the light that resides within every soul.

Yet, beyond the specific traditions of one faith or one nation, these rituals point toward a truth that is much larger: we are, first, human beings.

Our shared humanity transcends lines on maps, definitions of nationality and the dogmas of different religions.

Whether we are Maltese by birth or have crossed oceans to reach these shores, we are bound by the same fundamental experiences: we all know the weight of a dream, the sting of fear, the warmth of a loved one’s smile and the deep-seated yearning to belong.

In this season of reflection, if we are to take one universal truth from the teachings of Christ, let it be the Golden Rule: “…so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

This is not merely a religious instruction; it is a universal heartbeat – a call to empathy that should guide every interaction, regardless of the language we speak, our identity, our dis/ability or the colour of our skin.

Yet, in this season of light, we must also acknowledge the shadows that touch some lives on our islands, the lives of people who have come to Malta seeking better opportunities, working in construction, hospitality, care and other sectors.

They help build our homes, serve in our hotels and restaurants and keep our daily lives running well. Yet, too often, they face hurtful words, discrimination, or even hostility simply because they look or speak differently and are, therefore, perceived as “other”. As a result, many find themselves pushed to the periphery.

The spirit of goodwill belongs to everyone; it cannot be locked behind a border or a passport- Helena Dalli

It is a painful reality that exclusion persists, sometimes in casual remarks, sometimes in outright rejection.

To be thousands of miles from home, working to sustain a life or an entire family and to be met with repudiation is a wound that runs deep.

If we would not want to be treated as strangers in a land we help build, then we cannot justify treating others that way. The spirit of goodwill belongs to everyone; it cannot be locked behind a border or a passport.

For many who have made Malta their home, joining in these festivities is not imitation but a heartfelt connection; a way to bridge worlds and find belonging in a new land.

The human heart does not require a permit to celebrate joy.

We are all human beings, each with dreams, fears, people we love and a yearning for belonging. No one should feel excluded from the simple joy of walking through illuminated streets, sharing a smile or finding a moment of peace amid the celebrations.

No one should stop anyone from enjoying Christmas; its spirit of goodwill belongs to everyone, regardless of where we were born.

Imagine being thousands of miles from home, working long hours and still finding ways to embrace the season. Themes of compassion touch the heart and remind us of our common humanity.

Yes, change can feel uncomfortable, and truly living with diversity asks us to stretch our hearts and minds. “Unity in diversity” is far easier to inscribe on EU buildings than to live out in everyday encounters.

But when we do make that effort – through a kind word, an open invitation or simply seeing the person beyond the perceived difference – we discover something richer: a more vibrant, compassionate and dynamic community that reflects the true message of Christmas.

May we all open our hearts a little wider, offering warmth to those who share our islands and making a conscious choice to see the person, not the category.

Let us look past the decorations and see the people. When we do this, we honour our own humanity by recognising it in someone else.

By practising the simple act of treating every person with the dignity we desire for ourselves, we create a community that is truly vibrant and compassionate.

This is the light that transcends borders, a light that belongs to every one of us, together. Happy Christmas.

Helena Dalli is a former European commissioner.